Cy Falls stumbles at Bryan

Published 7:00 pm, Saturday, August 30, 2008

BRYAN — Two fourth quarter fumbles and two failed extra points spelled an opening season loss for the Cy Falls High football team.

The Golden Eagles (0-1) lost to Bryan High, 28-20 at Merrill Green Stadium. Vikings running back Monterrell Washington had 17 carries for 124 yards and all four of his team's touchdowns.

Now, Cy Falls must regroup and travel to Westfield (0-0), a defending district champion with an impressive passing attack, on Thursday night.

"It's early in the season, and we couldn't quite finish the plays we needed to finish," Cy Falls coach David Raffield said. "We'll go back to work, correct it and hopefully, do better next week. It's all just timing and learning how to relax when you play fast."

Cy Falls senior quarterback Kolby Gray, who passed for over 3,000 yards as a junior, finished 8 of 18 with 90 yards, a and a touchdown . Gray made good on his intention of improving his ground game, rushing for more than 100 yards and a score, including an acrobatic play for a 3-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

"They were taking away the pass, so we had to respond and make plays on the ground," Gray said. "It's just a learning experience. These young (receivers) are going to get more experience and so am I."

Despite being more athletic and faster, the Golden Eagles couldn't capitalize on mismatches and instead tried to beat Bryan at its own game, running the option. They scored two touchdowns running the option.

Bryan utilized ball control and a strong running game, but Washington was truly a one-man show. He used a combination of quickness and strength to overpower defenders into the end zone.

The Vikings defense also wore down Gray and the Cy Falls offense; the Golden Eagles managed to score just six points in the second half.

Cy Falls had two golden opportunities in the fourth quarter. Once after recovering a fumble, Gray fumbled on the next play. Then, a last gasp drive ended when Dean Johnson bobbled a Gray pass, then fumbled it on a fourth and six with less than 2:30 minutes in the game.